City Cast Pittsburgh

It’s the Friday news roundup! As Pittsburgh gets ready to celebrate Labor Day — and host presidential hopefuls again — we’re digging into our history as the birthplace of the modern labor movement. Plus, we finally know why the Peregrine moon lander failed, but we don’t understand why Pennsylvanians aren’t claiming their Powerball money. We always cite our sources: President Biden’s been to four of our Labor Day Parades here over the past 15 years, and he’s set to come to the area this year with presidential nominee and current VP Kamala Harris on Monday. We’ll see if he makes another parade appearance! Republican presidential candidates have been in our area too. VP nominee JD Vance was in Erie this week, and former president Donald Trump will be in Johnstown today. Labor Day weekend is going to be another busy time for the airport, so if you’ve got a flight early in the morning, make sure you build in extra travel time. Want to take a vacation when the airport’s not as hectic? Check out our interview with Scott Keyes, the founder of Going, where he gives us the insider scoop on how to find cheap flights from Pittsburgh.  Astrobotic released a review of the Peregrine lunar lander’s mission, and Tech Crunch reports that one valve was the culprit in the $108M mission’s early end. Pittsburgh’s been on the frontier of space exploration since the Apollo missions in the 1960s. There are three unclaimed winning Powerball tickets in PA that are expiring soon – including one that’s worth $1 million.  One study shows that winning the lottery can improve your life! While you can’t win the lottery anonymously in PA, for a while, we had more Powerball winners than any other state.  Individuals aren’t the only ones getting cash from a winning lotto ticket. The store that sold the ticket also gets a bonus, which recently included an Allegheny County pizzeria. An Olympic gold medalist, aka pommel horse guy Stephen Nedorosick, is going to be on the next season of “Dancing with the Stars,” and he brought his cat to LA for filming. We spoke with local reporters Jillina Forstadt and Lajja Mistry about why 16 public schools might close, and they got answers for crowdsourced questions. Read more about what the consultants working on PPS’ closure plans have to say about their ideas for restructuring schools. September RAD Days have been announced! Check out the free events at Pittsburgh’s cultural institutions here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 30th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Airport Corridor Transportation Association Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s pawpaw season in Pittsburgh, and we’re sharing everything you need to know about this tropical-tasting fruit, its native habitat, and how to forage its flavors for yourself. Plus, friend-of-the-pod Sarah McAlee (aka Brothmonger) is sharing big news for October, the beloved ice cream shop Dave & Andy’s has found new life thanks to a “sweet tooth family,” and there’s more pizza and coffee shops to check out in Pittsburgh. We hope you came hungry! Is there a new bar or restaurant you’re loving in Pittsburgh? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. If you enjoyed today's interview with Pittsburgh Recovery Walk's Representative, Rachel Shuster, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 29th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Airport Corridor Transportation Association Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As students return to school, Pennsylvania is still facing a dire teacher shortage, and experts say there aren’t enough qualified candidates to replace everyone who’s quit or moved away. We teamed up with City Cast Philly to unpack the problem, causes, and consequences — plus, share our take on a few potential solutions. **This episode originally published August 28, 2023. We always cite our sources: Check out PA’s teacher retention data for yourself, courtesy of Penn State’s Center for Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis. Chalkbeat did a great two-part breakdown on the problems and potential solutions. The Learning Policy Institute shared suggestions for how to improve teachers’ first years. The Hechinger Report wrote about a couple PR campaigns trying to change public opinion about teaching. The Center for Black Educator Development is based in Philly and does a lot of great work around recruiting teachers of color. Ten years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to see 3,000 to 4,000 applicants pop up for a single job listing on PA-educator.net, the PA’s main jobs board. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Airport Corridor Transportation Association Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh is known for a lot of things — steel and shale, eds and meds, bridges and ball games — but did you know that our city once had its very own “Wall Street” Downtown? Author and historian Mark Houser is here to talk about our region’s first financial district and the iconic buildings that followed, all because someone struck oil (on purpose) 165 years ago today! Want to learn more Downtown history? Sign up for one of Mark’s antique skyscrapers tours. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Airport Corridor Transportation Association Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Pittsburgh’s immigration court closed in 2022, Casa San Jose executive director Monica Ruiz transformed her space into a makeshift courtroom, but it’s not the most sustainable solution. City Cast’s Mallory Falk, who worked reported on immigration from the the U.S.-Mexico border before coming home to Pittsburgh, sits down with Ruiz to discuss the virtual court process and the enormous stakes for people making their case to receive asylum in the U.S. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Airport Corridor Transportation Association Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re looking at both national political conventions to see how Pennsylvanians talked about local issues and celebrating the golden anniversary of an iconic Pittsburgh landmark. Plus, Covid cases are on the rise, and Giant Eagle is dropping GetGo — but another bird is swooping in. We always cite our sources: Giant Eagle is dropping GetGo but the new owners, Couche-Tard, will keep the myPerks loyalty program. Covid cases are on the rise in Pgh and elsewhere, and the new vaccine isn’t ready yet. The CDC tracks Covid levels in wastewater, and so does the state, which has a county by county dashboard.  Only about a quarter of Allegheny County residents got the last Covid vaccine. The stakes are especially high for Allegheny County because respiratory illnesses don’t play well with poor air quality. A bunch of PA and Pgh folks spoke at their respective party conventions, including organizer Erin Koper and Senate candidate Dave McCormick at the RNC and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Gov. Josh Shapiro at the DNC. At the RNC, Koper talked about Pittsburgh police staffing levels, which are rising, and homicides, which have fallen since the year she cited on stage. Homicides rose in 2022 all over the nation. The Democratic roll call doubled as a dance party, featuring both “Motownphilly” and “Black and Yellow” for Pennsylvania. Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker, who welcomed VP candidate Tim Walz to talk to the Quips football team last week, gave the first remarks. Point State Park and our enormous fountain are celebrating their combined 50th birthdays. We talk about some of their most fun facts in this week’s news quiz. City Paper has a great deep dive into its history, too. Nurses at West Penn Hospital authorized a labor strike this week, and striking workers at the Post-Gazette are nearing two years off the job. The PSO is on its European tour. They’ll be back in Pittsburgh to open their new season in September. Besides baton diplomacy, there’s a lot of other ways we foster connections with other countries. Learn more about our sister cities in our conversation with the former director of the Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 23rd episode: U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eating out can get expensive fast! Thankfully, there are still a bunch of affordable and local bites all around Pittsburgh. And we’re not talking about buying a single slice of pizza. We’ve got recommendations for breakfast biscuits, sit-down meals, and sushi — all for $10 or less.  Have another cheap meal you love? Let us know! Call or text us at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 22nd episode: U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to go out dancing, but don’t want to club? Pittsburgh has a solution for you! We’re with 412Step and Pittsburgh West Coast Swing talking about getting started, finding community, and learning the groove in safe spaces all over the city. Looking for a class setting? Try out bachata at Los Sabrosos Dance Co.; Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has a bunch of dance and fitness classes; and Level Up Studios offers hip-hop, ballet, heels, and Bollywood for a variety of ages. **This episode originally aired January 16, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 21st episode: U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a Mormon temple before it’s closed to the public, now is your chance! A new temple just opened in Cranberry and guests can get a glimpse inside for a limited time. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo explain why this kind of access is so rare. Plus, they discuss what to do if a low-flying plane drops some treats in your neighborhood (TLDR: steer clear, they’re rabies vaccines for racoons!) and predict when and whether the Three Rivers Regatta could make a triumphant return. We always cite our sources: It’s not clear whether former President Donald Trump meant to say North Carolina when he was with supporters in Wilkes-Barre. Three Rivers Regatta leadership is shooting for a 2025 return — without help from an unresponsive pizza shop. Here’s a KDKA clip about an injury in the Red Bull Flugtag.  A new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Cranberry is open for public tours for a limited-time.  This is the second LDS temple in Pennsylvania, and the temple will serve around 29,000 people. Allegheny County’s leaving out 300,000 rabies vaccines for raccoons. If you spot any bait, make sure you know what to do so your kids and pets don’t go poking at it.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 20th episode: U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Steel Stories by U.S. Steel. This is a special edition of "Steel Stories by U. S. Steel" podcast. Tune in to get the inside scoop on the acquisition of U. S. Steel by Nippon Steel and what it means for our community. Hear from David Burritt, President and CEO of U. S. Steel, and Takahiro Mori, Vice Chairman of Nippon Steel to learn how this historic move is set to drive growth right here in Pittsburgh and across the U.S. Catch more episodes of Steel Stories on all major podcast platforms. Search for 'Steel Stories' and hit play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh Public Schools released a penny-pinching plan that could drastically change our public school system. From building closures and consolidations to separating kids by age groups and changing magnet programs, the recommendations are sweeping and there’s not much time for stakeholders to weigh in. We’re with PublicSource’s Lajja Mistry and WESA’s Jillian Forstadt to explain what we know so far and how you can get involved. Read their great reporting series PPS’ Path Forward and share your questions and concerns with Lajja and Jillian here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 19th episode: U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! Freelancer and City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk to talk about increased tourism in the Strip District and Downtown and a new state law that could lead to more armed security guards in schools. Plus, they share their astonishment over how much trash is in our rivers and learn about a famous Pittsburgh architect whose mid-century modern dream homes are on the market (for enormous price tags). We always cite our sources: A recent Allegheny River dredge dug up 50,000 pounds of car parts — possibly from a long-gone Downtown parking lot.  The Strip District will possibly double the number of visits over the next couple years. A new bill tied to the state budget requires one security officer per district to be trained and licensed to carry a gun, but the district can decide whether or not to have the officer bring it into the school. Wondering what else is part of this year’s PA state budget? Check out our interview with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and Spotlight PA reporter Stephen Caruso.  The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh hired six armed guards and a few security officers this year. A Shadyside house by the famous architect and brief protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, Tasso Katselas, is up for sale. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 16th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh Coffee Week just announced their dates for the fall, and in the meantime, the team is excited about some of the latest developments in the city’s coffee scene, from new stores to end-of-summer specials. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo share some of the spots they’re most excited to try. Plus, they try to make sense of the sudden closure of 40 North — the restaurant attached to City of Asylum. Check out Pittsburgh Summer Restaurant Week specials here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 15th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fall is a big rental season in Pittsburgh — it’s the start of the school year, after all — but how can you tell whether that spot you’re eyeing will be the perfect new home or the apartment from hell? Adam DiBuo with Neighborhood Legal Services is sharing an essential checklist to help you sort through the details before you sign a lease. Plus, stick around for what to do if things with your landlord ever go south. This episode originally aired May, 15, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Pennsylvania, it’s easier to buy an assault rifle than a handgun thanks to a loophole in our state law – one that’s come under increased scrutiny since the assassination attempt at the Trump rally in Butler last month. Venuri Siriwardane, health reporter for PublicSource, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to Pennsylvania’s gun laws and loopholes, plus the push to create more statewide gun safety measures. You can read Venuri’s reporting on state gun laws in PublicSource. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 13th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Thrift Shop Day is this Saturday, so if you need a refresh for your fall wardrobe, it’s the perfect time to start looking for new outfits. Buying second hand can be tricky – it’s hard to figure out which shops have the best items to suit your style, how to sort through all the clothes, and how to tell if something fits without a dressing room. Thrifting expert and sustainable fashion advocate Hannah Horstmyer joins producer Sophia Lo to share their favorite thrift shops in the city and tips for leaving with a clothing haul you’ll love. Want even more thrift shop recommendations? Check out our list! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! Kamala Harris made her pick for vice president and it’s not our governor. We’re talking about what’s next for Josh Shapiro – plus what to make of JD Vance’s first campaign stop in Pennsylvania – with Kim Lyons, editor of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. We also check in on a Pittsburgh-based company that’s raising millions to launch driverless trucks in Texas, and ask whether Neftlix’s Unsolved Mysteries reboot could help solve a Beaver County cold case. We always cite our sources: Gov. Josh Shapiro warmed up the crowd at Kamala Harris’ rally in Philly on Tuesday, before she and her running mate Tim Walz took the stage together for the first time. Some reporting suggests Harris had better chemistry with Walz than Shapiro during their meetings last weekend. JD Vance also held a rally in Philly on Tuesday – it was his first campaign stop in Pennsylvania since he became Donald Trump’s running mate. Aurora Innovation raised $483 million to launch a self-driving truck route between Dallas and Houston – the company, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh, initially asked for $350 million. Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries reboot is highlighting a Beaver County cold case from 2014. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 9th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of us find comfort in cooking shows, but today we’re getting off the couch and going behind the scenes with a Pittsburgher who actually competed in one. Home cook Doug Heilman is bringing local dishes to the latest season of The Great American Recipe. He tells us how much prep time contestants really get, who washes the dishes, and how the Steel City inspired all of his delicious-looking food. Will Doug win The Great American Recipe? Tune into the finale next Monday, August 12 to find out! And don’t miss his local food podcast, The Pittsburgh Dish. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you own an old home, there might be discriminatory language in your deed barring Black people from owning the property. It’s called a racial covenant, and even though this language isn’t enforceable anymore, it’s still on the books in the subdivisions of at least a few Pittsburgh neighborhoods — and especially in our suburbs. Local writer and historian David Rotenstein joins us to talk about what got us here, and a new law that could help homeowners address these ugly remnants of the past. You can read David’s reporting on racial covenants in PublicSource and Pittsburgh City Paper. **This episode originally published May 8, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A local teacher was left out of America’s latest prisoner swap with Russia, but his family isn’t giving up. Seven vending machines filled with free Narcan are popping up across the county, and Pittsburgh’s alcohol-free scene is more vibrant than ever. Plus, how a certain mayor added to the VP announcement drama. We always cite our sources: The mayor of Philadelphia posted a video last week calling for people to support “vice president Josh Shapiro,” but one source said this isn’t a formal announcement about Harris’ running mate. Oakmont resident Marc Fogel was left out of the US’ prisoner swap with Russia, and he shared how he’s feeling with his family.  Vending machines filled with free Narcan are popping up around Allegheny County, and Prevention Point offers more harm reduction resources and instructions on how to administer Narcan. Looking for more alcohol-free spaces in the city? Stage AE recently introduced its sober sanctuary, and the Open Road is moving to Garfield. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices